Liu Yang, a member of Shandong Taishan's backline defense, once boasted of his high attendance rate, but has been frequently on the short end of the stick lately. For two consecutive seasons, he has almost never missed a national team or club game, becoming the attendance king of local players. However, the wind and clouds have changed, the main position of the left back of the national football team is no longer his, and the mistakes in the club have gradually accumulated. For example, in a match against Zhejiang, his reckless foul directly led to the loss of the ball. Coach Choi Kang-hee has begun experimenting with new backline combinations, with Wu Xinghan making a strong showing at left back and Wang Tong making a return to the field.
Photo caption: Liu Yang in action
With the addition of foreign strikers, the necessity of a homegrown center forward is looking more and more doubtful. With Zeca recovering from a long injury, Bijinho took the opportunity to score 3 goals in all competitions, which was not a bad performance. But with Zeca's return, Bizinho's playing time is gradually decreasing, and his departure next year may be a foregone conclusion. Taishan has four more AFC Champions League matches to go this year, with the goal of getting out of the group. The interference of the league temporarily disappeared, Choi Kang-hee can focus on preparing for the AFC Champions League, even if only on the sidelines of the command, but also to control the overall situation.
PHOTO CAPTION: Taishan prepare for AFC Champions League clash
The midfield duo of Peng Xinli and Huang Zhengyu are back in form and will be crucial in adjusting the lineup for the AFC Champions League. Choi Kang-hee has been quite cautious in his use of personnel, with Cressan's injury deterring him from starting him easily. The performance in the group stage of the AFC Champions League will have a direct impact on Choi Kang-hee's contract renewal. In the final round against Meizhou Hakka, fringe players such as Zhao Jianfei, He Xiaoke, Jia Feifan and Liu Shibo are expected to get a chance to play and gain experience for the younger players. Taishan have plenty of rest time to prepare for the away challenge against Pohang Ironmen. With the growing understanding of the foreign trident, expect them to shine in the AFC Champions League.
Image caption: the Taishan midfielders are back in form
